Unresolved mysteries in the biogenesis of mitochondrial membrane proteins

Mitochondria are essential eukaryotic organelles that are surrounded by two membranes. Both membranes contain a variety of different integral membrane proteins. After three decades of research on mitochondrial biogenesis five major import complexes with more than 40 subunits altogether were identified and characterized. In the current contribution we want to draw attention to some unexplored issues regarding the integration of mitochondrial membrane proteins and to formulate crucial questions that remain unanswered. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein Folding in Membranes.

► Discussion of open questions in the biogenesis of mitochondrial membrane proteins. ► Mechanisms of insertase activities. ► Importance of lipids in membrane integration of proteins.